Chosen One

Ziusudra—

Rovi was somewhat surprised by this title.

After all, this was the name of one of the few survivors of the world-ending Great Flood in the even more ancient past of Mesopotamian Mythology, a person who lived long in the Underworld and possessed immortality. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, which Rovi knew from later records, it was he who informed the aging Gilgamesh about the existence of the herb of immortality, setting him on the path to seek it.

But for Ziusudra, this was an encounter that was only natural.

After all, he had been waiting here for him to come out.

Just like Gilgamesh, this recluse of the Netherworld, who had survived the prehistoric Great Flood that caused civilization to collapse and unexpectedly gained the power of immortality, also possessed extremely special "eyes."

He could see through the "thread" of a person's fate.

This thread determined a person's origin and also their end—**it was inevitable, but the end itself was mutable and not fixed.

In simple terms, the end of one's fate was a life-threatening setback that life would encounter.

If one overcame it, the thread would extend.

"But you don't have this thread."

A hoarse, aged voice sounded, mixed with the dust that occasionally blew in the wind on the street, reaching Rovi's ears. "You have no thread of fate.

"I have never seen anyone like you, but I have heard the gods of Heaven speak of it—though I could not see their faces, there was someone without fate in that Great Flood of the past that I experienced."

"He was the one who built a great ship to leave behind the Seed of Civilization for humanity, the savior in the disaster, whose name was 'Naphistim,' and that world-ending flood was named after him."

"And now... I see that the 'fate' of world-ending has once again fallen upon everyone except you."

"Therefore, I believe that you are the crucial person who will help this land overcome an unprecedented disaster in the future." The old man, ragged and gaunt, stood in a street corner, looking at Rovi.

Rovi remained silent, pondering. He knew that he didn't have a thread of fate, perhaps because he was a transmigrator, but some questions couldn't be spoken directly.

So he simply turned and asked, "What specific disaster?"

"I don't know," Ziusudra shook his head. "Perhaps it is a punishment already bestowed by the Gods—the strongest Demonic Beasts and the strongest Mythical Beasts, or perhaps a greater disaster... though the probability is not high."

The simultaneous attack of the strongest Demonic Beasts and the strongest Mythical Beasts was already the ultimate method the Gods could use at this time.

Although it couldn't compare to the Great Flood of Naphistim in the past, it was enough to destroy the surface of the Mesopotamian Plain today and cause another collapse of civilization.

As for something greater... that would probably require the Gods to break through the limitations of the era and reappear in the mortal realm.

Or even the return of ancient Primordial Gods to the surface.

The probability of that was indeed minuscule.

"So, you want to protect me?" Rovi raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," Ziusudra's hoarse, aged voice replied without hesitation. "I am someone who has clung to life from ancient times until now, so I know very well the desolation after the world is cleansed."

"And I don't want to experience it again!"

Rovi stroked his chin.

The name Ziusudra might be just the name of an immortal from mythology to others. In fact, he appeared in the Epic of Gilgamesh that Rovi was familiar with, as the elder who told the aging Gilgamesh about the herb of immortality.

But in Rovi's eyes... Ziusudra also represented the possibility of being the 'oldest Assassin.'

In the 'Nasuverse' series, at the apex of the 'Assassin' class among the seven classes of the Throne of Heroes, King Hassan, once appeared in the era of Gilgamesh under the name Ziusudra.

Although that was a distorted era, a Singularity Point in history.

And appearing in such a capacity, there must be a connection.

Now that Rovi heard Ziusudra's explanation of his abilities, he couldn't help but make connections and harbor suspicions.

That's why, upon meeting him, he brought him here to his residence.

"But I don't need your protection."

After a brief moment of thought, he denied the other's intention. "I have already become the 'Key of Heaven,' you should know that."

"I naturally know the great power created by the Gods," Ziusudra nodded, not denying it, but still insisting. "But no one can be completely powerful, even you—the King of Uruk, that Divine Construct Golem, must have weaknesses."

"And I can guard those weaknesses of yours."

"But when Fate reaches its 'end,' no one can escape the toll that the Netherworld's bell takes on life—"

Damn it, it really is King Hassan!

Rovi was certain.

Even if this wasn't the person himself, it was definitely inextricably linked to that Grand Assassin, their existence completely similar!

How could Rovi, who sought death with all his heart, allow this person to protect him?

However, judging by Ziusudra's attitude, he didn't seem like someone who would be easily dissuaded... After a moment's thought, Rovi made up his mind.

"I don't need your protection, but since you insist so much, then—I will entrust you with a task!"

He said earnestly, "Next, I will be an envoy to a city-state north of Uruk. Go there and clear any possible obstacles for me first!"

Actually, Rovi was going to another country.

It didn't matter, he just needed to get Ziusudra out of the way...

"Remember, act covertly." Rovi added later.

The old man, wrapped in a black robe, lowered his head and pulled up the tattered hood, his voice a low, hoarse rumble from beneath the shadows. "Rest assured, this old man has lived long enough and knows what needs to be done!"

A hermit who occasionally emerged from the Underworld over the long years, he had seen his share of storms and had been responsible for more than one killing.

Therefore, Rovi didn't need to explain anything; he naturally had his own methods for protecting his target.

Seeing that they had reached an agreement, Rovi also smiled.

He didn't believe Ziusudra couldn't see that he was trying to get rid of him—but since the other party had accepted the excuse, there was no need for him to say more.

As long as they were in different countries, he figured whatever Ziusudra did wouldn't affect him.

"It's been a pleasure cooperating with you, venerable elder Ziusudra."

Ziusudra responded, but a flash of ethereal blue flames flickered deep within his dark, profound eyes.

"I'll depart now." He gave Rovi a slight bow before turning his head.

"Then I'll await your good news," Rovi said, watching him go.

Leaving the shadows and walking through the streets, the bustling crowds were scattered throughout a world where sunlight and shadow sharply contrasted.

Ziusudra moved among them, his steps slow but his actions remarkably swift.

He walked through the streets.

He crossed the walls and gates of the city-state.

He set foot in the wasteland to the north... The old man's figure gradually grew larger, enveloped in jet black armor, and the Greatsword of Azure and Iron instantly fell into his palm.

His attire was exceptionally conspicuous.

Stealth that made no attempt to conceal his movements.

This was Ziusudra's way of protection.

"Those who seek life die, those who seek death live. The end of death is in a fleeting intersection, the fate of life in a momentary choice."

"He who fears their benevolence should fear their weapon more."

"He who fears their weapon should fear their might more."